The futureby Airbus
The futureby Airbus
The futureby Airbus
The futureby Airbus
… / Future energy sources / Energy harvesting

Energy harvesting

Solar power 

Heat collection

Aircraft seats that collect passenger body heat for use as energy is an idea for future air travel.

Some of the energy sources being investigated by 2050 might seem far-fetched by today's standards. 

Harvesting body heat is just one example: instead of producing energy, it would simply collect energy from a passenger's seat, and redirect it to power certain aircraft functions – such as the cabin lights. 

While such concepts may sound futuristic, a proposal several decades ago for Airbus’ double-decker A380 – which has the capacity to carry more than 800 people and the efficiency of a family car – could have sounded equally fanciful.

Solar power Future energy sources 

Did you know?

"We surveyed over 10,000 people around the world who will be passengers in 2050 to ask what they want from the aviation industry in the future.

Their message was clear – we need to help as many people as possible share in the benefits that air transport brings, but we need to achieve this while looking after the environment."